Hot Topics:

Pelham fireworks explosion accidental

PELHAM -- The state fire marshal has ruled the fireworks explosion at a Dodge Road home last summer that seriously injured a 2-year-old boy among other adults and children was accidental.

Fire Marshal J. William Degnan said that 344 reloadable mortar shells on the back deck of the home were set off by an aerial spinner firework.

Degnan said all 13 people injured -- eight adults and five children -- were on the deck or in an adjacent three-season porch of the home at 40 Dodge Road, the home of Jeannie and Chris Pappathan, at the time of the explosion.

Pappathan's 2-year-old grandson, Ben Bertini, was kept in a medically-induced coma for a week at Shriners Hospital in Boston after the accident.

The explosion on the back deck of the house occurred during the family's annual pre-Independence Day celebration July 3.

It is considered the worst consumer-fireworks explosion in New Hampshire's history.

Degnan said the investigation with Pelham police and the Hillsborough County Attorney's Office is ongoing.

Shortly after the accident, the town had considered a fireworks ban.

State law allows that people 21 and older can legally buy and use fireworks, though towns are empowered to ban them.

Pelham has never had an ordinance governing its use.

Selectmen held a public hearing in October on whether the town should regulate, ban or continue to allow their unrestricted use.

Welcome to your discussion forum: Sign in with a Disqus account or your social networking account for your comment to be posted immediately, provided it meets the guidelines. (READ HOW.)
Comments made here are the sole responsibility of the person posting them; these comments do not reflect the opinion of The Sun. So keep it civil.